How to Install Bathtub Waste Lines
A bathtub has a waste pipe that connects to the main drain in the bottom of the bathtub as well as the overflow tube that connects to the overflow drain opening on the side of the tub just below the bathtub's faucet. Installing a bathtub's drain pipe assembly will require help. You will need to work on attaching the drain pieces to the waste line and overflow tube while a helper holds the drain pipe assembly in place under the bathtub. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bathtub drain kit
- Pipe wrench
- Marker
- Hacksaw
- Silicone caulk
- Screwdriver
- Drain key
Instructions
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1
Tighten the connections between the waste line, overflow tube and the sanitary tee, all of which come in the bathtub drain kit. Tighten the connections by hand if you are installing plastic pipes; otherwise, use a pipe wrench.
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2
Access the bottom of the tub, either through an unfinished area directly under the tub or through the wall directly behind the tub's faucet. Place the assembled drain pipes under the tub and mark the portion of the sanitary tee connection that overlaps the main drain pipe under the tub and remove the drain pipe assembly.
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3
Use a hacksaw to trim off the portion of the pipe that overlaps main drain pipe under the tub. Place silicone caulking on one side of the rubber gaskets on both inlet openings in the drain pipe assembly, or both sides if the gaskets do not come attached to the pipes.
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4
Place the drain pipe assembly in position under the bathtub and tighten the connection with the main drain pipe. Have a helper hold the drain pipe assembly in place while you get into the bathtub.
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5
Place the overflow drain cover over the overflow drain opening in the tub and drive the screws through the holes in the drain cover and overflow tube. Spread silicone caulk over the underside of the main drain piece's lip and hand-thread the drain piece into the waste drain pipe opening through the drain hole in the bottom of the tub.
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6
Insert a drain key into the drain piece and twist the dial on the drain key until it fits snugly in the drain piece. Clamp a pipe wrench onto the textured end of the drain key and turn the drain key, along with the drain piece, clockwise until you feel resistance.
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